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More Than A Music Venue: Over 100 Years of Berwyn History
Live music, Baby Gold BBQ, outdoor concerts, festivals, and more than a century of Midwest history.
Explore FitzGerald's
1911-1917
A Dance Hall Is Born
The building at 6615 W. Roosevelt Road was constructed sometime between 1911 and 1917 and was originally used as a dance hall. Long before Fitzgerald's became known for live music, locals gathered here for entertainment and social events.
1920s
The Prohibition Years
During Prohibition, the building operated as an "Athletic Club," a common way many establishments continued operating during the era when alcohol sales were illegal.
1933
Club Ritz
Following the end of Prohibition, the venue reopened as Club Ritz.
Historical records connect the club to associates of Al Capone's
Chicago Outfit, including Jack "Machine Gun" McGurn. Berwyn
officials temporarily shut the venue down in 1934 because of those
associations.
1934
Club Whitehall
The building entered the big-band era, hosting dances and entertainment that attracted visitors from throughout the Chicago area.
1944
Ranucci's Night Spot
The property evolved into a restaurant and nightlife destination, continuing its role as a gathering place for the community.
1948
The Hunt Club
The venue became The Hunt Club and hosted jazz
performances by nationally recognized musicians.
This era became so significant that the National Register
nomination was filed under The Hunt Club name.
1962
Deer Lodge
The Deer Lodge era brought a neighborhood tavern atmosphere and continued the building's long entertainment tradition.
1980
Fitzgerald's Is Born
Bill Fitzgerald and family purchased the property and transformed it into Fitzgerald's Nightclub, creating what would become one of Illinois' most respected independent music venues.
1981
Future Legends Take The Stage
During Fitzgerald's first years, artists like Stevie Ray Vaughan performed before becoming household names.
2020 - A New Chapter Begins
In 2020, longtime Chicago music promoter Will Duncan purchased FitzGerald's during one of the most challenging periods in live music history. Through continued investment in the venue, outdoor performance spaces, and community programming, FitzGerald's emerged from the pandemic stronger than ever and continued its role as one of Chicagoland's premier independent music destinations.
Today
A Nationally Recognized Landmark
In 2025, FitzGerald's became the first music venue or nightclub in Illinois listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Unlike most historic designations based on architecture, FitzGerald's earned recognition for more than a century of cultural significance, live music, community gatherings, and its impact on generations of Berwyn residents.
"Before it was Fitzgerald's, it was a dance hall, jazz club, supper club, neighborhood tavern, and gathering place for generations of Berwyn and area residents."
More than 100 years of continuous entertainment history.
Image Circa 1930's Courtesy Of FitzGerald's
FitzGerald's Staff Circa 2025 Photo Courtesey Of FitzGerald's
The Salty Dogs Play The Hunt Club Circa 1950's Photo Courtesey Of FitzGerald's
🏛️ Historic First for Illinois
In January 2025, FitzGerald's became the first music venue or nightclub in Illinois listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
More than 90 letters from supporters helped demonstrate the venue's importance as a cultural and community landmark.
That is the moment that separates FitzGerald's from every other venue in the western suburbs.
Planning Your Visit to FitzGerald's
📍 Location
6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn
🎵 Live Music
Indoor and outdoor performances year-round.
🍖 Food
Home of Baby Gold Barbecue
🚗 Parking
Street parking is available throughout the area.
🎫 Tickets
Most performances require tickets. Visit the official FitzGerald's calendar for current shows and availability.
☀️ Best Time To Visit
Summer patio concerts, outdoor events, and the American Music Festival offer the full FitzGerald's experience.
Everything you need to know before visiting one of Chicagoland's most beloved live music venues.
🎶 Free Music, Family Nights & Community Traditions
FitzGerald's isn't just known for ticketed concerts. Throughout the year, the venue hosts a variety of free and affordable community events that have become local traditions.
🍔 $5 Burger Nights every Wednesday
🍦 99¢ Ice Cream Thursdays with free patio music
🌸 Free Wildflower Fridays when available
🎵 Free patio concerts throughout the summer
Whether you're stopping by for a quick meal, meeting friends after work, or bringing the family for an evening outdoors, FitzGerald's has become one of the western suburbs' favorite gathering places.
FitzGerald's $5 Burger On Wednesday Nights
The Events That Define FitzGerald's
FitzGerald's hosts concerts year-round, but several signature events have become traditions for music fans throughout Chicagoland.
American Music Festival
The American Music Festival is FitzGerald's signature
event and one of the most anticipated music weekends
in Chicagoland. Multiple stages, nationally recognized
artists, local performers, food vendors, and thousands
of music fans transform the venue and surrounding
grounds into a celebration of American roots music.
Summer Patio Concerts
During the warmer months, FitzGerald's outdoor patio becomes one of the most enjoyable places to experience live music in the western suburbs. Visitors can enjoy performances under the stars while dining, socializing, and experiencing the venue's unique atmosphere.
Touring Artists
Throughout the year, FitzGerald's hosts nationally touring musicians across blues, folk, Americana, country, rock, jazz, and roots music genres. Many artists perform in the intimate venue before moving on to larger theaters and festivals, creating a uniquely personal concert experience.
Holiday & Community Events
Seasonal concerts, special performances, fundraisers, and community gatherings help keep the venue active throughout the year. These events continue a tradition of bringing people together at this corner of Berwyn that stretches back more than a century.
July 2-5, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About FitzGerald's
Planning your first visit? Here are answers to some of the questions visitors ask most often.
🎵 What kind of music does FitzGerald's feature?
FitzGerald's is known for roots music, Americana, blues, folk, country, jazz, rockabilly, and touring artists from across the country. Live music takes place year-round on both indoor and outdoor stages.
🇺🇸 What is the American Music Festival?
Held each Fourth of July weekend, the American Music Festival is FitzGerald's signature event. Multiple stages, nationally recognized artists, local performers, food vendors, and thousands of music fans make it one of Chicagoland's premier summer music traditions.
🍳 Does FitzGerald's serve food?
Yes. Baby Gold Barbecue operates on-site and has become a destination of its own. Sunday brunch with live music is also a longtime local favorite as well as $5 burger night every Wednesday.
🏛️ Why is FitzGerald's historically significant?
The building has welcomed visitors for more than a century and has served as a dance hall, supper club, jazz venue, neighborhood tavern, and music destination. In 2025, it became the first music venue or nightclub in Illinois listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The venue's preservation and continued operation under current owner Will Duncan helped ensure that more than a century of entertainment history remains active and accessible to future generations.
🎉 Can I host a private event at FitzGerald's?
Yes. FitzGerald's hosts private events, parties, corporate gatherings, weddings, and celebrations ranging from intimate groups to larger events. An in-house event team can help coordinate food, music, and venue arrangements.
Artists Who Have Played FitzGerald's
Over the years FitzGerald's has welcomed legendary performers and emerging artists who later became household names.
Notable performers include:
-
Stevie Ray Vaughan (1981)
-
Mavis Staples (2002)
-
Richard Thompson (2000)
-
Los Lobos (2026)
-
The Wallflowers (2025)
-
Koko Taylor (1987)
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Jason Isbell (2017)
-
Old 97's (2026)
-
Samantha Fish (2025)
-
The Heavy Heavy (2026)
-
The Spin Doctors (2026
From blues legends and Americana icons to future stars playing intimate rooms before larger stages, FitzGerald's has long been one of the Midwest's most respected listening rooms.
🎬 FitzGerald's In Movies & Popular Culture
Beyond music, FitzGerald's has appeared in several major
films and television productions. Its historic roadhouse
atmosphere has made it a favorite location for filmmakers.
Featured productions include:
• The Color of Money (1986)
• A League of Their Own (1992)
• Adventures in Babysitting (1987)
Few suburban venues can claim the same cultural impact.
A League Of Their Own At FitzGerald's 1992
See Upcoming Shows At FitzGerald's
Whether you're visiting for a patio concert, Baby Gold BBQ, Sunday brunch, or the famous American Music Festival, FitzGerald's remains one of Chicagoland's most beloved music destinations.
Browse the official concert calendar, purchase tickets, and see what's happening this week.
View Upcoming Shows at FitzGerald's
Why FitzGerald's Matters To Berwyn And The Western Suburbs.
FitzGerald's is more than a concert venue. For generations it has served as a gathering place where neighbors meet, musicians perform, and visitors discover Berwyn for the first time. Along with local restaurants, shops, festivals, and Route 66 attractions, FitzGerald's helps define the culture and character that make Berwyn unique.
When FitzGerald's sought historic recognition, supporters submitted more than 90 letters describing what the venue meant to their lives, helping demonstrate its importance as a community landmark.
Whether you're visiting for a national touring act, a free patio concert, Sunday brunch, or the American Music Festival, a trip to FitzGerald's is also a chance to experience one of Berwyn's most important community landmarks.
Discover More Around Berwyn And The Western Burbs.
Discover even more local music, dining, and events throughout Berwyn and the western suburbs.
🎵 Looking for More Live Music?
Check out our complete Summer Concert Guide featuring free outdoor concerts throughout Berwyn, Oak Park, Riverside, Brookfield, La Grange, and communities across the western suburbs.
☕ Best Coffee Shops Near Berwyn
Need a caffeine fix? Explore some of the best independent coffee shops in and around Berwyn, from cozy neighborhood cafés to destination-worthy roasters. Discover local favorites in Berwyn, Oak Park, Riverside, Forest Park, and La Grange that are perfect for remote work, meeting friends, or simply starting your day right.
🚗 Berwyn Cruise Nites & Route 66 Car Culture
Classic cars, chrome, and community. Berwyn Cruise Nites bring hundreds of enthusiasts to the Historic Depot District on select Mondays throughout the summer. From vintage muscle cars and hot rods to modern performance vehicles, it's one of the area's most beloved free summer traditions. Berwyn is also home to the annual Route 66 Car Show, one of the largest car events in Chicagoland.
🥕 Best Farmers Markets Around Berwyn
Fresh produce, local vendors, and community vibes. Discover some of the best farmers markets in the western suburbs, including Oak Park, Brookfield, Riverside, La Grange, and beyond. Whether you're shopping for seasonal produce, baked goods, flowers, or handcrafted products, these markets make for a perfect weekend outing.